Cloning method eyed for RP reforestation program

Clonal forestry may be eventually adopted in the country in establishing high quality plantations of some indigenous species like dipterocarps. When this happens, we would be joining a number of countries pursuing this technology in hastening reforestation efforts.

Being the agency mandated to develop and manage forestlands, the DENR is taking the lead toward this end.

As an initial step, some 30 technical personnel from DENR field offices were trained on clonal propagation techniques last May 13-17. Replication of a similar undertaking is in the offing for tree growers from the government and private sectors.

Clonal forestry utilizes the micro (tissue culture) and macro (hedge garden) clonal propagation techniques. In tissue culture the plant’s cells or tissue are made to grow in a culture medium with controlled conditions of light, temperature and humidity under aseptic environment. Hedge garden on the other hand, is a living collection of species that are managed in order to produce orthotropic shoots needed in negative propagation.

These techniques have been found to be effective and best alternative means to mass produce high quality stocks of some indigenous species like dipterocarps. Use of high quality planting materials is vital in coming up with high survival rate of seedlings planted.

Dipterocarps are of primary importance to forest plantations because of superior wood quality. They are known not only for their large timber but especially for playing an important role in regulating climate and stabilizing the forest ecosystem. They are considered the backbone of our tropical rainforests.

The need for enrichment planting of valuable timber species like dipterocarp species has very urgent in the face of dwindling production forests.

These conditions adversely affect biodiversity. The clonal forestry or propagation techniques would contribute favorably to the renewal of high quality timber in our country to serve the economic, social, and ecological needs of the generations to come.